Jets WR Tyler Johnson
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As the Jets attempt to sort out a murky WR picture, Tyler Johnson is loving every minute of it.
Coming off a disappointing 2024-25 season, the entire New York Jets organization is attempting to move forward as one. A busy offseason has seen a quarterback change and some other departures, but also plenty of additions to create healthy competition on the roster.
The wide receiver position might be the best example of that. Garrett Wilson is established as the club’s No. 1 wideout, but there’s a ton of uncertainty behind him. Several position battles are wide open, which presents a contrast between more spots being available but more players fighting for a place on the depth chart.
It sounds like a high-stress predicament, right? Not so fast. Speaking to the media on July 2, newcomer Tyler Johnson opened up about the state of the wideout room in quite the positive tone.
Tyler Johnson Shares Common Goal With Other Jets Receivers
In a story on the Jets’ official team website, Johnson revealed a goal everyone should be sharing: get a bit better with every opportunity.
“It’s been amazing so far, being able to come out here with these guys, day-in and day-out, and work with one another,” Johnson said. “We’re able to go out here and make plays and get 1 percent better every day.”
It sounds simple, but it’s far from easy. Johnson knows as well as anyone that progress isn’t always linear and context means everything. After getting picked by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Johnson seemed to be making some progress but then found himself on the Houston Texans in 2022. The following year, he joined the Los Angeles Rams. Now months removed from finding his footing, New York serves as a (another) fresh start.
There’s plenty of room for improvement with Johnson, as he doesn’t even turn 27 years old until August. The former Minnesota standout hauled in 26 passes for 291 yards and a touchdown last year in Los Angeles. That’s solid production for a former Day 3 pick, but he wants more. All members of the Jets’ receiver room do.
Competition for Roster Positioning Will Only Continue to Heat Up
As it does every summer, training camp will be a massive chance for players to stand out. Some will make their cases for the eventual 53-man roster, whereas others will fade away and eventually get cut. Johnson is hoping he’s in the first group, although he’s far from alone. Think back to last year’s wide receiver options:
Wilson: 101 receptions, 1,104 yards, 7 touchdowns
Davante Adams: 67 receptions, 854 yards, 7 touchdowns
Allen Lazard: 37 receptions, 530 yards, 6 touchdowns
Mike Williams: 12 receptions, 166 yards
Xavier Gipson: 6 receptions, 39 yards, 1 touchdown
Malachi Corley: 3 receptions, 16 yards
Of that collective, Adams and Williams are no longer with the team. Lazard and free agent pickup Josh Reynolds seem locked into a primary battle for this year’s No. 2 spot behind Wilson. Beyond them, it’s the dealer’s choice. Corley was a third-round pick just a year ago, Johnson is still looking to break out, Irvin Charles is working his way back from a torn ACL and Arian Smith is a 2025 Day 3 draft selection. There’s simultaneously so much going on but also not a ton of high-end talent to choose from.
Is that working in everyone’s favor or working against them? Either way, players like Johnson are taking it and turning it into a positive.